I had my reservations and my $$$ stayed in my pocket. A few things started to ring alarm bells for me.
1. Google'ing Jason Sinai didn't return too many results with no real background. If I google my name there are pages of where my name is somewhere or other. 99% people would be in the same boat.
2. I emailed and got one of the "10 spots" offered at 3.5k. When I hadn't transferred my deposit on the due date, I had multiple sms's and calls asking where the $$$ were - who in motorsport chases you so hard for an entry?
3. Once all 10 spots were filled, I mentioned this event to a mate, who emailed Jason and got offered a spot at the 3.5k price. I thought this was strictly 10 spots???
4. Said mate deposited some money; was told he was going to get a tax receipt. I believe he is still waiting for it!
5. If this was such a serious event, why is it at a rural track and not a city based track like Oran Park or Eastern Creek?
6. Payment only acceptable via cheque or direct deposit. No credit card facilities for large amounts like 13k. There is no insurance on cheque or direct deposit however this is on credit cards.
7. When 290 spots are already filled before the end of November, I get contacted again being offered one of ten available spots for a total price of $1500 which still includes helmet, suit and full entry etc. If you only have 10 spots left, already filled 290 spots, why would you offer 10 spots at 10% of the price. Thats over $120k lost by offering these spots in such a high demand.
8. Things really started to go quiet when John Boston posted his thoughts and queries.
9. History shows that one make series's never last and the companies that run them often go bankrupt and fold (most recently Sherrin's springs to mind). People have also said that prize money in these series's often never actually appear and consolation prices like one off drives are given instead to lessen the disappointment of not seeing the as advertised/promised prize money!
Sadly, if its too good to be true, it often is.
I hope for my mates sake (and Jason Sinai's) that this event goes ahead as he has paid a deposit and I think could do quite well. Personally for me, I'm glad I saved my money and have potentially put it into my tarmac rally plans for 2009.
